Rating: 
Summary: lovely lovely lovely
Review: I picked The Lovely Bones up at the library -- hesitantly -- because although I'd heard good things about it, I was wary of reading an account of a young girl's torture and murder. This book is not that, but more an account of how precious life is, and how loss and recovery is all part of living. From the opening pages, I was totally consumed by this novel, enchanted by the spirit, pain, and wisdom of Susie and her grieving family. I have never before read such a realistic account of grief and mourning. Every character displayed true emotions and processed the unthinkable in their own way. Alice Sebold's rendering of heaven also touched me deeply; I've always believed that each of us will create our own personal heaven. The final chapters get a little trippy, but stick with it... you will not be disappointed, and I have a feeling you'll be tremendously moved. This book left me more appreciative of my own time on earth, more in touch with my own emotions about death, and more grateful for the people who love me and for the people I love.
Rating: 
Summary: Beautiful but flawed
Review: I wanted to read this book on the basis that by the time I finished, it would become my favourite novel. I almost feel guilty that this is not so. Perhaps, it's because it didn't quite reach my expectations. Nevertheless, I felt the novel had many incredible moments, when certain passages invoked certain... "spiritual" sensations, so to speak. When Sebold described heaven, I felt like I transcended into that world. It was just that good. These were the high points of the novel, and essentially, the only aspect of the novel that urged me to continue reading. Sebold's narrative abilities are often astonishing - comparable to Janet Fitch's prose in "White Oleander", yet not quite as lyrical, but not any less remarkable.
I felt that for the most part, Sebold depicted the kind of family drama you would expect. I was especially drawn to Susie's father, Jack, and sister, Lindsey. If anyone should shed tears, it is Jack who is worthy of them - or rather Sebold, because she writes about him with such tender sensitivity. Many times, I rooted for Lindsey for her courage and strength.
What I really loved about the story is the fact that Sebold took a tragedy so indescribably appalling, and turned it into a tale of hope and healing. What I realized about life after death is, that it goes on. That there is reconciliation even in grief. And that even in the light of loss, there is still much to gain. That was what made the novel significant and worthy of the 4 stars I have given it. HOWEVER, I am not letting this book off the hook just yet.
My problems with the book are similar to what others have already mentioned, and this is not because I'm jumping the bandwagon. My biggest problem would be the unimpressive dialogue. I guess I'm just picky. At times, the conversations were almost awkward, and I couldn't quite catch the simple nuances that might have come easier for say, J.D. Salinger (who I believe is a master at dialogue) or even a more "current" counterpart, like Wally Lamb. But then again, this is Sebold's debut novel, and since I have never written a novel in my life, I shouldn't really be complaining.
Another complaint is directed towards certain characters who often frustrated me. Hello, Abigail? How could you do such a thing?!?! Abigail (Susie's mother) is not one-dimensional as some people may have mentioned. As a matter of fact, I thought she was well fleshed-out, but I could not be inclined to agree with her motives. I felt that Ray Singh (Susie's unofficial boyfriend) was perhaps the only character that was not well fleshed-out, but I suppose he served the purpose of fulfilling the climax (oh dear).
Yet another complaint for me would be the way the story is resolved, or lack thereof. What makes a book truly great is an explosive ending, or at least something close to that. It just wasn't like that. Without much ado, I suggest that you ignore my lengthy rant and read the book in spite of it. The book is still amazing in its own right and I really commend Mrs. Sebold for breathing fresh air to contemporary fiction. "The Lovely Bones" is original, imaginative, and often stunningly-written. Read it for what it actually is and ignore me.
Rating:
Summary: Remarkable
Review: The Lovely Bones is perhaps the most extraordinary book I have never read. The horrors of her death are almost palpable, the reader's desire for justice is a constant undercurrent while reading this novel, but through it all, a belief in an afterlife is a steady theme. Susie watching her family deal with her death is at times humorous and at times so touching you cry; Susie wants to much for things to be right on "Earth," that she spends time in "her heaven" guiding her family before she can take that final step to "Heaven," before she can let go. I particularly liked Susie's words about Ruth: "How she had fashioned the idea that a spirit could be a sort of second skin for someone, a protective layer somehow. How maybe if she was assiduous she could feel us both." Susie's story from "her heaven" as she journeys toward "Heaven" is inspiring, it is a testament to faith, it's about reunion in a better place that waits for us. This might be a difficult book for non-believers, but for those who believe, it is an incredible journey.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Book - don't be put off by the subject
Review: I delayed getting The Lovely Bones, because the subject matter sounded so depressing. And it was, but it was also uplifting. And the end, the final sentence, gave me such a rush I started crying. DON'T PEEK AHEAD. It will mean nothing to you unless it is read in context. I'm currently reading Lucky by the same author. Also depressing subject, but just as wonderfully written as The Lovely Bones. I love this author!
Rating: 
Summary: Hard to Finish
Review: The only reason why I read this book from cover to cover is because I hate not finishing things I start. It took me a total of about three whole agonizing months to finally get to the end, and I only succeeded because I was on a flight to Jamaica. One more month, and I probably would have forgotten about it. Bookstores need to take this book of their bestseller bookshelves and quit teasing readers into thinking that it is a good read--it was terrible. The only reason I gave this book two stars was because the beginning hooked me, but everything past that had nothing to do with what hooked me in the first place. If you like stories with shallow plots or don't mind it when the antagonist gets away, then this is the book for you. Otherwise, steer clear and don't waste your precious time like I did.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: I loved this book so much that I read it almost entirely in one sitting. I think the author did a great job of showing us how Susie saw her family after her death and I loved the way she got to experience some of the childhood she lost by watching her older sister grow up. She was also very authentic in telling the story through the eyes of a child. I think some people may have found it too depressing, but it's about a little girl who was murdered, so it's not entirely unexpected that it may be a bit depressing. In the end, though, I found that while the book evoked a sense of loss, it also left me with a sense of optimism. I found it to be a very moving and beautifully written story.
Rating:
Summary: Terribly Sad and Haunting
Review: If you want a good cry - this is definitely the book for you! Sebold will take you on an adventurous ride of a dead girl's family through the eyes of the dead girl. You have no idea how sucked in you get until its over. Don't know who anyone could think this book was boring - it was a definite page-turner for me. ...
Rating:
Summary: Fascinating Reading
Review: At times it's disturbing; at others, compelling. In any event, this book is worth the time it takes to read it. I can't imagine how I would behave in a situation like this, so the characters' behavior neither shocked nor surprised me. I was particularly drawn to the character of the father who needs so desperately to find evidence to catch his daughter's killer, as well as the brave younger sister who aligns herself with her father in trying to prove the killer's true identity. All in all, this is a fascinating read and despite the various chinks in its armor you might find along the way, a book well worth reading.
Rating:
Summary: I personally enjoyed the book
Review: I read the book in a matter of a few days. I had heard many things about the book being both good and bad. I decided to try the book for myself. Although, there are a few parts where the book is slow moving and even disturbing I found the book to be very interesting. It is a book that you dont really get into, or even uderstand, till it is over. You really begin to understand Suzie, the main character, by the end. It brings a new light to an explination of life after death. Althogether, I found it to be well written and interesting but I do believe it is aimed more towards a teenage audience.
Rating:
Summary: What's so good about it?
Review: I have read about a third of this book and have decided to stop. I honestly don't know what the fuss is about. It started okay and is now downright boring. Save your time and money.
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